I recall being called from Delhi on a cold evening to appear on a talk show as a brand ambassador for a luxury car brand. I got late by a fraction of a minute, and I was feeling agitated because of it, as I am someone who values time and respects others’ time as well. Since my childhood, I have always been punctual. Therefore, I just wanted to cover those minutes in seconds and wanted to just slip in.

Once I entered the meeting room, I saw everyone sitting at the round table, and one seat was reserved for me. I walked in, smiled at each of them, and sat down in a chair. There were 12 female guests, including me, on the set. Right after I settled in, the anchor from NDTV started asking questions from her left side, one after the other, and I could see how well accomplished each woman was. I felt proud to be a part of group of women who were still unknown to each other yet ran a kingdom on their own.

And when she approached me, she said, “Gunjan, hmm, what brings you to this table?” “Beauty is what you do.” “With lawyers, entrepreneurs, and professors on the table, how do you fit in?”
And that smile, which I still remember, was a clear indication that I was a misfit in her eyes.

“Well, the red lipstick you’re wearing, which boosts your confidence, is something I not only teach women how to wear correctly but also manufacture. “That’s what makes me share the table with women sitting in any city, of any stature, in any group.”
And suddenly, there was a pin-drop silence followed by appreciation. And in that very moment, I became part of the group.

Every work has its value, and that’s what’s important to understand. I feel that what is more amazing than touching people and making them feel beautiful is making them feel powerful.

That’s my story when I see a confident woman wearing red lipstick walk into any room.